1959 15 Window Deluxe Microbus
High in the mountains above Southern California, this original paint 15 window sits.
A true "Mother Nature Bus" if ever there was one.
The patina is very cool and while the Bus does have some rust issues,
it is a runner and driver just as it sits and could be left alone and kept as is
or dive into the full restoration.
There is a bit of rust in the roof along the back edge as you see here.
Tere was rust along the passenger side, but that has now been properly repaired and fresh metal welded in and paint blended.
The drivers side of the roof looks solid, but the metal does have surface rust.
Its beautiful in it's own way though.
I love seeing a car like this...it brings about emotion that a restored car never can.
The Bus has a running, stock 36 horse engine in it.
The engine runs smooth but does seem to be a little tired.
The owner is willing to rebuild or replace this engine and can build it to suit your taste.
The sun baked paint does still hold a shine in most spots and it is the type of finish you just want to touch and feel.
A little rust in the wheel arch..
Passenger side inner rocker looks a bit crusty.
Some outer rocker rust as well as you can see.
The pop out windows all have the proper "long spoon" latches for the year and model.
They really kick out far!!
Looks like something you would see some old grey bearded prospector driving...equally as sun baked
and tired. The stories the Bus could tell if it could talk.
The long panel on the drivers side has some damage toward the front...wavy up there.
That is probably the worst spot "dent wise" and it is minimal.
Rusty corner on the battery side.
Open up and the original panels match the wear to the exterior..
The center seat is long gone, and the rear seat is not the original one to the Bus.
The aluminum trim on the vents is missing, but the vent area looks very clean.
Inside the gas hole...
Front roof shot shows pitted sheet metal but it quite rusted through anywhere.
All the glass is present and original.
Even the windshields are original logo glass.
Bullet turn signals...
Its always interesting to see the way the paint fades through and nature does it's work.
A bus like this has an organic feeling to it...something man made yet nature aged.
I totally understand the trend going on out there for vehicles like this.
Humble and ugly, yet beautiful and proud at the same time.
1959 was the first year for this style bumper.
Nose looks pretty nice down in the seam in this area by the way.
Door frame...
Floor
Dash in the Bus is awesome original paint!
A little surface rust at the corner..
Steering wheel is well worn as well...but the original horn push is there and that yummy original dash...
Original door panels have held up pretty well over the years...
Front seat needs a little help but the look matches everything else quite well.
Rear bumper has the hard to find aluminum trims, but the guards and overriders are gone.
The Bus has new tires all the way around and the brake system has been fuly gone through
to make it road-worthy.
Coat hooks and assist straps are still present.
Some glass is cracked.
Headliner is gone, but everything else is there.
Bulkhead wall panel is nice and it has the handles and ashtrays.
The cargo floor overall is pretty good, but this rear corner needs attention.
Fresh air vent is very nice original paint.
High hinge cargo doors are an early Bus attribute.
Some very minor rust at the threshold, but otherwise quite nice!
The rear corner windows are the coolest part about this era of Deluxe Bus.
The jailbars that curve to match and the amazing visability.
The way the scenery moves past that glass is really neat as well.
The driver's spot...
Rear seat is not original to the Bus...it is from a later model.
Cargo door only window latch...pretty hard to find.
Some delamination to the original glass in spots...but all a part of the image.
Ernie Ball guitar string sticker hints towards a musical past to the Bus.
Really not bad around the windshields!
The repaired roof edge on the passenger side.
Original Motorola "Big M" radio is a very awesome find!
Under the dash is an interesting tissue box holder.
It hinges down to allow you to grab a tissue.
And then folds up when not in use.
Passenger side front floor and corner need significant metal work.
The drivers side floor section has been replaced.
Rear apron has been modified for a Beetle style exhuast.
Still 6 volt electrics. New battery in place.
Here on the inside of the roof you can see the metal repair.
Im sure the owner could be talked out of this cool scotch plaid cooler...
Behind that cooler is some rust in the corner.
Ahhh...corner windows!
Maltese Falcon postcard stuffed in the jailbars is interesting...
OK...the transmission in this Bus is a freshly rebuilt unit.
New mounts have been installed as well.
Brakes have all been redone with new parts too.
OK...I dont know what the heck that is there on the heater tube...any ideas?
This is the drivers side rear jack support and floor area...definitely weak and rusty.
New bumper brackets.
Gasp...thats a big hole!
This is probably the nastiest part of the Bus...the drivers side rocker is pretty much gone.
For the "rat look" scene you could leave it like this, but if that is not your bag
the owner is a skilled fabricator and could repair this properly if desired.
Tires are brand new all the way around.
Body trim is all present.
Front fender well, drivers side.
Some rust at the inner panel behind the nose.
Brake master cylinder has been recently replaced.
Crunchy!
Again..the patina...
Front floor panel has been replaced on the drivers side but the "dog leg" still needs attention.
Inside the nose...very straight.
Original clock is in place
Correct original speedometer with clear needle.
The chrome ashtray and that awesome Motorola radio
In closing this Bus is still very cool.
Yes...it is rusty, yes is is beat up, and yes it is missing the original seats in back.
But, the body overall is pretty straight, the trim and goodies it should have are all there.
It has fresh transmission and brakes and tires and a running 36 horse engine.
And best of all...it is a desirable early 15 window in original paint.
And the owner is willing to work with the buyer on any upgrades or repairs you might desire before you take delivery.
SOLD!!
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951-767-1600
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